Brandy bush, Raisin bush
A tropical plant. It grows in dry bush regions. It is often on sandy or limestone soils. It is resistant to drought and frost. It grows in area with an annual rainfall between 50-600 mm. It grows between 150-1,830 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Also known as:
Fluweelrosyntjie, Ini, Kxom, Liklolo, Meretlua, Moreeko, Moretlwa, Moretwa, Mpundu, Mukwane, Ngogo, Ulusizimezane, Umhlalophansi, Velvet raisin
Synonyms
- Grewia cana Sonder
- Grewia hermannioides Harv.
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Leaves, Gum, Roots - coffee
Where does Brandy bush grow?
Found in: Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe
Notes: Fruit are high in sugar. There are about 200 Grewia species. They are mostly tropical. The fruit of most may be edible. The dried fruit are about 64% sugar and 4 % protein. These were in the Sparrmanniaceae and the Tiliaceae.
Status: It is a main food for Bushmen and Hottentots.
Growing Brandy bush, Raisin bush
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds must be cleaned and dried in the shade. They are soaked in hot water and left overnight. Seeds do not germinate easily. They take about 24 days to germinate. Seedlings should be transplanted at the 2 leaf stage.
Edible Uses: The fruit are eaten either fresh or after being pulped in a mortar. They are made into porridge. They are used for jam and juice. They are also used to make brandy and beer. The fruit are dried and eaten with dried locusts. The sun dried fruit can be stored.
Production: It is fast growing.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit - dry | 264 | 5 | 3.9 | - | - | 1.3 | 9.6 |
| Fruit | 90 | 2.1 | 1.2 | - | 29.4 | 0.6 | 74.7 |
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